Allergen immunotherapy: FAQs and facts

Abstract

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is—when allergen avoidance is not sufficient—the only causative therapy of IgE-mediated allergies against aeroallergenes and Hymenoptera venoms. Allergens can be administered by either subcutaneous injection (SCIT) or sublingual application (SLIT); furthermore, oral immunotherapy in food allergy was also recently approved. Besides correct indication (positive history and diagnostics of IgE-mediated allergy, insufficient allergen avoidance) particular attention has to be payed to potential contraindications and risks. Furthermore, unwanted side effects, which may be life-threatening, can occur. In the following, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and facts in regard to the decision-making process for the implementation as well as the risk management of AIT are discussed.